Two sisters were taken in by police for questioning after their five children, allegedly left alone overnight, burnt beyond recognition at an informal settlement. Image: RUSA/Canva
City of Tshwane rallies to offer support and solace after shack fire
The City of Tshwane has offered support to families mourning the tragic loss of five young children who died in a devastating shack fire.
Two sisters were taken in by police for questioning after their five children, allegedly left alone overnight, burnt beyond recognition at an informal settlement. Image: RUSA/Canva
In a deeply saddening event, the City of Tshwane is uniting to offer crucial social support to families mourning the tragic loss of five young children who tragically died in a devastating shack fire.
This heartbreaking incident took place at the Itireleng Informal Settlement near Laudium.
Councillor Peggy de Bruin, who serves as the MMC for Community and Social Development Services, conveyed heartfelt condolences on behalf of the City of Tshwane to the grieving families, friends, and the entire community.
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The five innocent children met a tragic fate, having endured severe burns that left them unrecognizable.
CITY OF TSHWANE OFFERS SUPPORT AFTER SHACK FIRE TRAGEDY
Upon learning about this tragic event in the early morning of Sunday, August 27, 2023, Councillor Peggy de Bruin promptly activated a specialized team from her department.
They rushed to the location to express condolences to the mourning families and offer immediate aid, such as distributing food parcels, blankets, and mattresses.
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The sorrowful incident is characterized by deep grief. The five young casualties encompass three boys aged 2, 4, and 6, and two girls aged 1 year, 5 months, and 7 years.
Apart from providing tangible aid, the City’s social workers are teaming up with mental health non-governmental organizations to provide crucial counseling to the distressed families during this exceptionally difficult period.
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The City of Tshwane is resolute in its dedication to continue aiding the grieving families with funeral preparations, which encompass support for burials, provisions of food, and transportation.
Following the burials, the City will persist in offering assistance by supplying food parcels.
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Councilor Peggy de Bruin seized the moment to emphasize the critical need to ensure that children are consistently supervised by responsible adults.
She encouraged parents, caregivers, and the entire community to report any instances of child neglect, highlighting the collective duty to protect children’s welfare.
PARENTS FACE CULPABLE HOMICIDE CHARGES
Lindiwe Machaka (39) and Zanele Machaka (37) appeared briefly in Atteridgeville Magistrates Court, accused of five counts of culpable homicide.
Gauteng MEC for Human Settlements and Infrastructure Lebogang Maile visited the Itireleng informal settlement near Laudium, where five children tragically perished in a shack fire on Sunday. Allegedly, their mothers left them unattended and went to a nearby tavern.
ALSO READ: MEC Maile to visit Itireleng after five children perish in a shack fire
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson in Gauteng, Lumka Mahanjana, stated that the sisters had left the children locked in their shack overnight at Itireleng Informal Settlement near Laudium.
“It is alleged that, while the two were still out, the shack caught fire, and all the children perished in the blaze. The two women were arrested at the tavern the same day and are in custody,” Mahanjana said.
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